2014
Diversity Scholarship
To attend the 2014 NRPA Congress & Exposition
Deadline for application submission is May 4, 2014.
Purpose:
The NRPA Diversity Scholarship (up to 2) supports individuals from historically underrepresented groups in
the parks and recreation community as well as those that demonstrate outstanding contributions serving
diverse communities with hopes of engaging their interest in future leadership roles within the association.
Congress registration will be complimentary and up to $1,000 for travel and hotel expenses will be
reimbursed.
Eligibility Criteria:
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Must be a current member of NRPA.
May be a professional or citizen. Specific qualifications vary (see below).
Must be an individual from an underrepresented group in the park and recreation community;
and/or demonstrate outstanding current or continuing contributions serving diverse communities,
specifically related to parks and recreation programs and services.
Professional
 Currently employed in parks, recreation and leisure services.
 Demonstrates potential leadership in the field of parks and recreation as evidenced by work and
volunteer history.
Citizen
 May be an elected official; an appointed, non-paid official; or volunteer.
 Demonstrates a history of support of public parks and recreation and demonstrates potential
leadership in the field as evidenced by volunteer history.
Scholarship Commitment:
 Attendance at the 2014 NRPA Congress & Exposition in Charlotte, NC, October 14-16.
 Active engagement with a mentor who currently serves in a leadership role within NRPA .
Required Materials:
In order to complete this application, the following documents must be supplied:
 Resume (professionals) or biography (citizens) providing examples of contributions relevant to the
criteria of this scholarship.
 Answers to essay question (page 2 of application)
 Two letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with contributions relevant to the criteria
for this scholarship.
o Professionals – one (1) letter from a supervisor and one (1) letter from a colleague or
citizen knowledgeable of your job performance.
o Citizens – one (1) letter from a park and recreation professional and one (1) letter from
another professional or fellow citizen, both knowledgeable of your contributions to public
park and recreation.
All applications and support material must be submitted via email by May 4, 2014 to
awards@nrpa.org. If you have any questions regarding your application, please do not hesitate to
contact the NRPA Awards Team at awards@nrpa.org or 703.858.2141.
2014 Diversity Scholarship
Applicant Information:
First Name
Last Name
Middle Initial
E-mail Address
Agency/Organization/School
Phone
Address
NRPA Membership Number
City
NRPA Membership Type (Check One)
State/Zip
Professional
Citizen
Clarification of representation of an underrepresented group in the park and recreation
community:
Each applicant must provide the following information. This is not a requirement for consideration of the
application, but does provide the Awards and Scholarship Committee with a broadly reflective pool of
applicants.
Applicant Pool
Underrepresented Group
Contributions
Gender
Male
Female
In order to enhance your scholarship experience with a mentor that closely aligns with your interest,
please choose one of the following interest areas:
Administration
Leisure and Aging
Armed Forces Recreation
Park Resources
Aquatics
Special Park Districts
Citizen Advocacy
Tourism/Special Events
Education (post-baccalaureate)
Inclusion and Accessibility
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Application Materials
Essay (depending on criteria)
 For applicants from underrepresented groups: Application Essay stating why applicant is
seeking this scholarship and how he/she will apply the experience professionally within his/her
community. (250 words or less)
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For individuals demonstrating outstanding contributions to their communities: Application
Essay stating why applicant is seeking this scholarship and how the applicant has implemented and
promoted best practices of inclusion of multi-cultural groups within his/her community. (250 words
or less)
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